It’s funny how my definition of romance has changed in the past 7.5 years (since my husband and I got married). Back then, romance meant going on dates, holding hands, hugs and kisses. It also meant (and I’m sure this is every woman’s experience before marriage) he would make an effort to hold open doors for me and pretty much do anything I asked.

Then we got married, and things changed. Yes, I can see you nodding your heads on the other side of the computer screen.

As a writer and now a mother of two girls under two, I’ve realized that the romance in our lives has changed from doing things together to doing things for each other. With Valentine’s Day coming up, I have to say that I can’t remember the last time we did something really special for Valentine’s Day, or the last time we even exchanged presents. Instead, my honey has shown me love recently by:

1)Taking care of my daughter all day for several weekends while I was 8 months pregnant and trying to meet my deadline

2)Cleaning and cooking day after day because I was a) pregnant b) on a deadline (it seems like I’m always on a deadline) and c) didn’t feel like doing anything (including being pregnant or writing)

3)Holding my hand and encouraging me during natural labor when he would have preferred sitting on the couch to ease his own nausea and lightheadedness

4)Letting me sleep in when I had a particularly rough night with the baby

5)Scrubbing the baseboards for hours because I didn’t have time and he knew it was driving me crazy (I’m not usually anal about cleaning, but it had been a LOOONG time)

6)Reading my first novel even though he dreaded reading a “romance” (yes, imagine hearing a man say it in that condescending tone), then sitting worshipfully and staring at me, telling me over and over how wonderful it was

7)Going with me to my first author event/book signing because I was nervous

8)Turning on the heater in my basement office every day before I go down to write

10)Telling me constantly that I’m beautiful even when I’m overweight, don’t have any make-up on, haven’t slept more than 5 hours straight in three months, and wear pajamas all day

I have to admit, with the day-in and day-out busyness that we get caught up in, it’s very easy to forget how much he does for me. Just reading over this list right now makes me realize again how amazingly blessed I am to have a husband who shows his love to me by constantly cherishing me and supporting me.

He might not have a title or a stable of thoroughbred horses, and he might not know how to dance a waltz, but this Valentine’s Day, I know I have the hero that was meant just for me. J

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, I’m giving away a copy of my debut, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS, in which a duke tries everything he can to woo his duchess into loving him again.

I’d love to hear what your spouse or significant other does that isn’t necessarily romantic, but still melts your heart every time.

One random winner will be drawn from all the comments. **Don't forget to leave your email address! {name (at) email dot com} - One comment per person please :-)

Open to international residents!

Giveaway will be open until tonight! Winner will be announced on Tuesday February 8th.

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Awww! Thank you so much Ashley for coming and joining us for Romance Week!

Make sure you keep an eye out for Ashley's second novel - "Romancing the Countess" coming out in September 2011.

And make sure to check out her facebook page, she's have an amazing contest - The "Help Beat Ashley's Husband Down Contest!"

Thanks so much for inviting me to blog today! I have a HUGE item to add to the list above. My husband usually wakes me up at 7:30am every morning to take over with the kids, and he let me sleep in until I woke up today--at NOON! Now THAT'S romantic. ;)

Ashley, you've got a keeper! For me, it's the little things that my boyfriend does that mean the most. Like, I love it when he does the laundry or cooks me dinner. I love it when he takes me to a movie even though he doesn't want to leave the house. Or he will eat something over and over again, just because it's what I want to eat. I also love it that when we pass by the book section he will pick out a book by an author I've mentioned and offer to buy it for me. It means so much that he actually remembers their names. Also, that he is willing to go to signings and conferences with me because I'm afraid to do anything by myself. He may not bring me flowers or hold my hand but I still love him just the way he is. Please don't enter me in the drawing. I already have a copy of this lovely book. Just wanted to drop by and post a comment.

Hi Annette! You made me remember--throughout most of my pregnancy, my husband did the laundry because it was hard for me to go up and down the stairs. =)I think every time I get mad at him I need come back and read this blog. =)

Lol @ Danielle. This sounds just like me! I can't tell you how many times during my pregnancy we went to this specific Mexican restaurant because everything else made me queasy. You have an amazing boyfriend. =)

I loved this post! Ashley, you have a keeper! It's interesting, when there are little ones in the house having your husband look after the kid(s) so that you can get a few hours more sleep is more important than any fancy present!

my husband is currently serving over seas, and i've been having a really hard time with it all, and he isn't able to call often, so about once a week he sends me an e-card to cheer me up. It really helps.

Disclosure:

According to the FTC, I must state the all books reviewed on my blog have either been purchased by myself, gifted to me by family and friends, or have been received from the author or publisher for review. All reviews will state how I received the novel. I do not receive compensation of any kind for my honest reviews.

This means that if you see a book or advertisement featured on my blog and you click on it - the link may bring you to a sellers website. If you choose to purchase the book /or product from the seller you were linked to I will receive a small percentage of the sale. The funds that I may possibly receive through this affiliation are used to fund giveaways and cover shipping costs. I really do appreciate all of the support that my readers provide and this affiliation will help me to have more giveaways in the future.